The Reluctant Vampire Review: Lenny Rush Shines in Comedy 2026

The Reluctant Vampire review: Lenny Rush delivers an absolute joy of a performance in this perfectly cast comedy series. Adapted from Eric Morecambe's children's books by Neil and Rob Gibbons, the show brings warmth and daftness to teatime television.

Oh my goodness; how long has it been since we all had a lovely teatime treat? Too long, that's how long! But now joy is at hand, courtesy of Neil and Rob Gibbons (the pair behind the most recent incarnations of Alan Partridge) and The Reluctant Vampire. It is their adaptation of Eric Morecambe's 1982 children's book of the same name and its 1983 sequel, The Vampire's Revenge. They have kept the books' warmth and daftness and added their own talents to the six-part series for youngsters. There are jokes for parents in there too, but the brothers have wisely kept the exquisite cruelty with which they craft Alan's misadventures safely stowed away.

A Fang-tastic Family Affair

Here is the tale of an undead royal-ish family (temporarily usurped a few generations back when the paterfamilias choked on a scab), living a traditional vampiric life in their traditionally gothic castle. There is proud patriarch Victor (Tom Davis), who revels in the hunting and draining of the humans he despises ("I see," he says, looking round the overdecorated bedroom of his latest about-to-be-victim, "you have a keen eye for tat"). He is married to Valeeta (Sian Clifford) – they share a hot-to-trot vibe with Gomez and Morticia of The Addams Family films – and they have two children. Vernon (an absolutely wonderful turn from Gabriel Nagy in his first major screen role) is a chip off the old block, loving the vampire life and able to transform into a bat at will. Then there's the reluctant vampire himself, Lenny Rush as the youngest, who would rather eat chips than necks.

Lenny Rush's Star Turn

Lenny Rush, known for his BAFTA-winning role in Am I Being Unreasonable?, is perfectly cast as the eponymous reluctant vampire. His comedic timing and expressive face bring a delightful innocence to the role, making his character's dilemma both hilarious and heartwarming. Rush's performance is the anchor of the series, and he handles the physical comedy with aplomb.

Cast and Characters: A Perfect Ensemble

The supporting cast is equally superb. Tom Davis brings a blustering charm to Victor, while Sian Clifford is delightfully deadpan as Valeeta. Gabriel Nagy is a revelation as Vernon, and the chemistry between the family members is palpable. The show also features a host of guest stars, each adding to the whimsical world.

Why The Reluctant Vampire is a Must-Watch

• Hilarious script: The Gibbons brothers deliver jokes that land for both kids and adults.
• Charming performances: Lenny Rush leads a cast that is clearly having a ball.
• Family-friendly fun: It's a teatime treat that doesn't condescend to its audience.
• Visual delights: The gothic castle setting is a character in itself.

The series is a refreshing addition to children's television, proving that you can have genuine laughs without resorting to crude humor. It's a show that will appeal to the whole family, and one that you'll want to sink your teeth into again and again.

FAQ